Categories: Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, National Center for Environmental Health
April 5th, 2013 12:40 pm ET -
April 7 is United Nations World Health Day, marking the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. CDC works in close partnership with WHO and its regional offices, other UN agencies (like UNICEF) as well as other international health agencies to help people throughout the world live healthier, safer, longer lives.
In honor of World Health Day, read some of our previous blog posts about NCEH’s international work:
Categories: Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, National Center for Environmental Health, Tornadoes
April 2nd, 2013 8:49 am ET -
Spring is the time of year when many things change—including the weather. Sunny days may be followed by a week of stormy weather. Sometimes extreme weather changes can occur within the same day.
Thunderstorms cause most of the severe spring weather. Whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, thunderstorms can occur, bringing with them lightning, tornadoes and flooding.
Categories: Biomonitoring, Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, National Center for Environmental Health
March 25th, 2013 10:14 am ET -
In 1993, the UN General Assembly declared March 22 as World Water Day. This post recognizes NCEH/ATSDR work to assure clean water.
Spring water
Can you remember a time when you were so thirsty you would have done almost anything for a glass of cool, refreshing water? Now imagine that the only water available to you is full of bacteria or chemicals that can make you sick. People across the globe face this dilemma daily. The world’s water supply is not unlimited and is not always safe.
Even in the United States, clean water is not always assured. Improper chemical disposal, naturally occurring substances such as arsenic, pesticides, animal and human wastes, improper water treatment, extreme weather events, and aging water distribution systems can contaminate our drinking water supply.
NCEH/ATSDR’s water programs help protect people from environmental water hazards as well as diseases caused by contaminated water.
Categories: Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, National Center for Environmental Health
February 5th, 2013 12:59 pm ET -
Although some parts of the country are warming up already, winter is not “officially” over until March 20. So stay ready for winter hazards. You will be more likely to remain safe and healthy if you are prepared.
You may prefer to remain indoors in the winter as much as possible, but staying inside is no guarantee of safety. Take these steps to keep your home safe and warm even if you lose power.
Categories: Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, From the Director, National Center for Environmental Health
June 5th, 2012 4:00 pm ET - Dr. Christopher J. Portier
Woman cooking in India
For many Americans, the most pressing concern about stoves is whether they are made of stainless steel. But more than 3 billion people in the world have more serious worries. They still cook the way their ancestors did—over an open fire or on a crude stove that creates indoor air pollution that can cause chronic lung diseases and severe pneumonia.
Indoor air pollution from these stoves is in the top 5 most significant threats to health in developing nations. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that exposure to smoke from these stoves kills more than 1.5 million people each year. Not surprisingly, women and young children are at the highest risk.To support the effort toward reducing these health threats, CDC joined the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves as a founding member in 2010.
Categories: Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, From the Director, National Center for Environmental Health
April 9th, 2012 4:37 pm ET - Dr. Christopher J. Portier
April 22 marks the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day, begun in 1970 and celebrated around the world. Earth Day reminds us of our personal and collective responsibility to preserve and protect our environment.
Scientists and public health professionals at CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) focus on the ways to improve our environment and save lives. Every year, we initiate our celebration by observing National Environmental Education Week during the week leading up to Earth Day.
